Know your dashboard signs

National Highways is leading a project to improve driver awareness of the correct actions to take when a warning light appears on a vehicle’s dashboard.

The project aims to reduce preventable stops on the strategic road network by helping drivers understand what the different dashboard warning light colours mean, enabling them to respond appropriately and safely.

Dashboard warning lights are an essential feature of modern vehicles. They provide important information about a vehicle’s condition and can alert drivers to potential issues before they become serious problems.

These warning lights typically follow a traffic-light colour system — red, amber and green — although some vehicles may also use white or blue, depending on the manufacturer.

National Highways said:
“Dashboard warning lights are a vital communication tool between your vehicle and you, the driver. Understanding what they mean and knowing how to respond can help keep you safe and prevent costly repairs.

“Whether it’s a red light signalling a serious fault, an amber light indicating maintenance is required, or a green, white or blue light providing information, taking the correct action is key.”

To support drivers, National Highways has developed a guide explaining the different types of dashboard warning lights, their meanings, and the actions drivers should take when they appear.